Mastering iPhone Portrait Photography with Depth Control

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Enter Portrait Mode

   Open the Camera app and swipe the mode selector above the shutter button to Portrait. Ensure the interface displays the Natural Light effect or your preferred studio setting before framing your shot.

   Note: Stay between 2 to 8 feet from your subject for the best depth map detection.
2. 1 min

   Adjust Depth Prior to Shooting

   Tap the f-stop icon located in the top-right corner of the screen. Drag the slider to adjust the aperture value, which dictates the intensity of the background blur.

   Note: A lower f-number like f/1.4 increases background blur, while a higher f-number like f/16 brings more of the background into focus.
3. 30 sec

   Open the Photo in Edit Mode

   Launch the Photos app and tap the image you just captured. Tap the Edit button in the top-right corner to access the adjustment suite.

4. 1 min

   Refine Depth Control

   Tap the Depth icon—the circle containing an f—at the top of the interface. Use the slider beneath the photo to modify the aperture level retroactively.

   Note: You can change the intensity of the blur even after the photo has been taken.
5. 30 sec

   Toggle Portrait Effect

   Tap the Portrait button at the top center of the Edit screen to turn the depth effect on or off. This allows you to compare the original capture against your edited version.

6. 15 sec

   Commit Changes

   Tap Done to save your changes to the original file. The iPhone applies the depth mask non-destructively, meaning you can revert to the original at any time.

   Note: To revert, open the photo in Edit, tap Revert, and select Revert to Original.